Allergy injections
When medications fail to adequately control allergy symptoms and avoidance of the trigger is not easy or possible, an allergist may recommend immunotherapy or “allergy shots”. This treatment consists of a series of injections containing small amounts of the substances to which a person is allergic. After a course of allergy shots, 80 to 90 percent of patients have less allergy symptoms, and in many cases their allergies have completely resolved. Allergy shots can be given for allergic rhino-conjunctivitis (nose and eyes), allergic asthma and insect sting allergies.
Colonoscopy Screening
It is recommended by the American Cancer Society that patient’s at the age of 50, both men and women should follow one of these testing schedules to screen for polyps and cancer:
These procedures can be scheduled.
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years, or
- Colonoscopy every 10 years, or
- Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years, or
- CT colonography (virtual colonoscopy) every 5 years
These procedures can be scheduled.
Diabetic Education
Diabetes Academy is a free class given in the North Valley Internal Medicine office by a Novo Nordisk Diabetes Educator to help you learn about managing diabetes.
Curriculum Includes:
Curriculum Includes:
- Diabetes 101 - covers basic diabetes information and terminology.
- Staying Healthy - provides convenient tips for eating healthy and staying active.
- Diabetes Medication - reviews the basics about insulin and GLP-1 agonists and demonstrates how to use Novo Nordisk Devices
Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram (ECHO) is a sonogram of the heart. In addition to creating two-dimensional pictures of the cardiovascular system, an echocardiogram can also produce accurate assessment of the velocity of blood and cardiac tissue using pulses or continuous waves which allows assessment of cardiac valve areas and heart function. The biggest advantage to echocardiogram is that it is noninvasive and has no know risks or side effects. It evaluates the architecture and function of the heart.
Echocardiogram assists in the diagnostic findings of:
Echocardiogram assists in the diagnostic findings of:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Assess the heart’s pumping capacity and location and extent of any damage to its tissues.
- Assessing diseases of the heart valves.
- Allows doctors to evaluate the heart valves and detect abnormalities in the pattern of
- blood flow such as the backward flow of blood through partly closed heart valves
- called regurgitation.
- Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease)
ECG Services
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a recording of electrical activity of the heart over a period of time. Electrodes are attached to the outer surface of the skin (across the chest) and record the electrical activity of the heart by a device external to the body. With each heartbeat, an electrical signal spreads from the top of the heart to the bottom. As it travels, the signal causes the heart to contract and pump blood. The process repeats with each new heartbeat. The heart’s electrical signals set the rhythm of the heartbeat. The recording of the heart’s electrical activity, produced by this noninvasive procedure, is termed an electrocardiogram.
An ECG shows:
An ECG shows:
- How fast your heart is beating
- Whether the rhythm of your heartbeat is steady or irregular
- The strength and timing of electrical signals as they pass through each part of your heart
- Test results can also suggest other disorders that affect heart function
EGD - Gastric Endoscopy
An EGD (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) is a diagnostic endoscopic procedure that allows the doctor to visualize the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract up to the duodenum. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure since it does not require an incision into one of the major body cavities and does not require any significant recovery after the procedure (unless sedation or anesthesia has been used). A sore throat is common.
EGD assists in the diagnostic findings of:
EGD assists in the diagnostic findings of:
- Persistent dyspepsia
- Heartburn and chronic acid reflux which can lead to Barrett’s esophagus
- Persistent vomiting
- Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing)
Holter Monitor
A Holter monitor is a portable device for continuously monitoring and recording various electrical activity of the cardiovascular system for at least 24 hours or more.
The Holter monitor is a painless test. Electrodes are placed on the chest with sticky sensor pads which are connected to a small piece of equipment (recorder) that can be attached to the patient’s belt or hung around the neck. Once the monitor is in place, you can perform all normal activities (except showering). You will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and any symptoms you may experience and when they occur. The equipment is responsible for keeping a log of the heart’s electrical activity throughout the recording period. The recorded data is then analyzed and reports any irregular heartbeats.
The Holter monitor is a painless test. Electrodes are placed on the chest with sticky sensor pads which are connected to a small piece of equipment (recorder) that can be attached to the patient’s belt or hung around the neck. Once the monitor is in place, you can perform all normal activities (except showering). You will be asked to keep a diary of your activities and any symptoms you may experience and when they occur. The equipment is responsible for keeping a log of the heart’s electrical activity throughout the recording period. The recorded data is then analyzed and reports any irregular heartbeats.
Joint Injections
Joint injections may decrease the accumulation of fluid and cells in the joint and may temporarily decrease pain and stiffness. They may be given to treat inflammatory joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, tendinitis, bursitis and, occasionally, osteoarthritis.
What usually is injected into the joint space? Corticosteroids (such as methylprednisolone and triamcinolone formulated to stay primarily in the joint) frequently are used. They are anti-inflammatory agents that slow down the accumulation of cells responsible for producing inflammation and pain within the joint space. Although corticosteroids may also be successfully used in osteoarthritis, their mode of action is less clear. Hyaluronic acid (Hyalgan®, Synvisc®, Orthovisc®) is a viscous lubricating substance that may relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee for periods up to 6–12 months. Mode of action is not clear.
What usually is injected into the joint space? Corticosteroids (such as methylprednisolone and triamcinolone formulated to stay primarily in the joint) frequently are used. They are anti-inflammatory agents that slow down the accumulation of cells responsible for producing inflammation and pain within the joint space. Although corticosteroids may also be successfully used in osteoarthritis, their mode of action is less clear. Hyaluronic acid (Hyalgan®, Synvisc®, Orthovisc®) is a viscous lubricating substance that may relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee for periods up to 6–12 months. Mode of action is not clear.
Lab Services
Having an on-site laboratory makes it convenient for our patients to have lab work completed, and guarantees our doctors quick access to the results.
Our lab offers many tests, including:
Our lab offers many tests, including:
- Throat Cultures
- Flu Cultures
- Rapid Strep Tests
- Urinalysis
- Blood Tests
Manipulations
Osteopathic Manipulation and Treatment, or OMT, involves movement of the muscles or joints to help diagnose, treat, or prevent injury or illness. doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (or D.O.) often use OMT to help ease pain and promote healing.
D.O. physicians are fully licensed physicians who treat the "whole" person, focus on prevention and help the body heal itself.
D.O. physicians are fully licensed physicians who treat the "whole" person, focus on prevention and help the body heal itself.
Physicals
Adult Annual Health Screening, Employment, School, Sports, MDOT
Physicals will include medical testing and health criteria required by your employer or institution. Services performed will cover all requirements to complete provided form. General physicals may include: Chest X-Ray, EKG, blood work, urinalysis, hearing and vision testing. Additional exams may include: cardiac stress test, ultrasound echocardiography, scheduled colonoscopy, gastric endoscopy and more. Most tests are available onsite, some with immediate results. The medical staff will complete your form and have it ready for pick up once we receive all your test results.
Physicals will include medical testing and health criteria required by your employer or institution. Services performed will cover all requirements to complete provided form. General physicals may include: Chest X-Ray, EKG, blood work, urinalysis, hearing and vision testing. Additional exams may include: cardiac stress test, ultrasound echocardiography, scheduled colonoscopy, gastric endoscopy and more. Most tests are available onsite, some with immediate results. The medical staff will complete your form and have it ready for pick up once we receive all your test results.
Pre-surgical Evaluations
We will assist you in being physically prepared for your upcoming surgery. Evaluations are done based on the specific requirements of your surgeon. The standard evaluation includes: EKG, blood work and urinalysis. If additional testing is required we will attempt to accommodate your needs or refer you to the appropriate resource. Your examination and all results will be forwarded to your surgeon and your chosen facility.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy uses a dextrose (sugar water) solution, which is injected into the ligament or tendon where it attaches to the bone. This injection causes a localized inflammation in these weak areas resulting in an increased blood supply and flow of nutrients that stimulates the tissue to repair itself. The treatment takes approximately 45 minutes and is completed in the office. It is useful for many different types of musculoskeletal pain, including arthritis, back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, unresolved whiplash injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic tendonitis, partially torn tendons, ligaments and cartilage, degenerated or herniated discs, TMJ and sciatica. For more information visit the American Osteopathic Association’s page on Prolotherapy. http://www.acopms.com/
Pulmonary Evaluations
Pulmonary function tests are a group of tests that measure how well the lungs take in and release air and how well they move gases such as oxygen from the atmosphere into the body's circulation.
Pulmonary function tests are done to:
It also can be done to:
Pulmonary function tests are done to:
- Diagnose certain types of lung disease (such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema)
- Find the cause of shortness of breath
- Measure whether exposure to chemicals at work affects lung function
- Check lung function before someone has surgery
It also can be done to:
- Assess the effect of medication
- Measure progress in disease treatment
Ultrasound and Doppler
Carotid ultrasound is a painless test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create pictures of the insides of the two large arteries in your neck. These arteries, called carotid arteries, supply your brain with oxygen-rich blood. There is one carotid artery on each side of your neck. A standard carotid ultrasound shows the structure of your carotid arteries. Carotid ultrasound shows whether a substance called plaque has narrowed your carotid arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. This condition is called carotid artery disease. Too much plaque in a carotid artery can cause a stroke. The plaque can slow down or block the flow of blood through the artery, allowing a clot to form. A piece of the blood clot can break off and get stuck in the artery, blocking blood flow to the brain. This is what causes a stroke.
Vein Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is a medical procedure used to eliminate varicose veins and spider veins. Sclerotherapy involves an injection of a solution (generally a salt solution) directly into the vein. The solution irritates the lining of the blood vessel, causing it to swell and stick together, and the blood to clot. Over time, the vessel turns into scar tissue that fades from view. Sclerotherapy is a proven procedure and has been in use since the 1930s.
X-Ray
An X-ray is a quick, painless test that produces images of the structures inside your body — particularly your bones. This is a service that we provide at the North Valley Internal Medicine Facility.
